SPD releases extra details, description on Sunday robbery

September 21, 2011

The Starkville Police Department released a detailed description Wednesday of the suspect involved in Sundayâ€™s armed robbery of a female walker.
Officers are looking for a medium- to dark-skinned black male, about 5-feet-7-inches in height and 140 lbs. The suspect was wearing a red T-shirt with no lettering and dark, long shorts which came past his knees. The suspect was reported to be in his early 20s and clean shaven.
According to an SPD release, the victim was visiting with friends in the area and was walking home alone on University Drive approximately 3-3:30 a.m. when the suspect ran toward her near Old West Point Road, pulled out a handgun, pointed it toward her head and robbed her.
The robber took her purse and phone, then fled the scene on foot east on University Drive.
After the robbery, the victim ran to a friendâ€™s apartment at Glen Hollow on Old West Point Road and reported the crime to the police department.
Witnesses spotted an individual fitting the suspectâ€™s description walking west on Lummus Drive and running through an open patch of land on Colonel Muldrow Avenue.
Since the robbery and a Sept. 12 attack and attempted sexual assault of a jogger in the same area on University Drive, SPD Chief David Lindley said residents should avoid exercising alone during dark hours.
â€śUniversity Drive has always been a popular place for exercise. This is the first time in my career Iâ€™ve had to warn people to stay in due to these incidents,â€ť he said.
Lindley said those who do choose to run, jog or walk during darker hours should never travel alone.
Currently, SPD detectives say no new details can be released due to the nature of the ongoing investigations.
Anyone with information regarding the armed robbery or the attempted sexual assault can call SPD at (662) 323-4131 or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at (800) 530-7151.